Accra, Ghana – Each year on 30 July, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its partners worldwide commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This year in Ghana, IOM joined forces with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP)’s Human Trafficking Secretariat (HTS). The theme was "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” and football was used as a tool for youth empowerment and unity.  

The day of sports was organised to raise awareness of the risk of trafficking for children and young people. Football matches took place among four Senior High Schools, as well as among stakeholders who support the eradication of human trafficking, and the MoGCSP. Throughout the day, various speeches and interactive sessions allowed the students to learn about the risks associated with irregular migration as well as about safe migration pathways.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Director of the MoGCSP, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, highlighted that human trafficking affects millions of children worldwide, subjecting victims to exploitative and abusive conditions. She emphasized that the Ministry is committed to implementing preventive measures through various thematic areas, including raising awareness through sports and humanitarian activities. "Sports can offer opportunities for traffickers to exploit, thus preventing children from becoming victims while pursuing their sporting dreams," she added.

Ghana is a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants who may be vulnerable to trafficking, both within and across borders. IOM’s work in Ghana involves providing protection and assistance to survivors of trafficking along such migratory routes, assisting their voluntary returns, and ensuring their sustainable reintegration. Since last year, IOM has supported more than 1,300 irregular migrants and 50 survivors of trafficking to return safely to Ghana. The trafficking survivors were assisted with shelter, medical care, food items, and reintegration thanks to the MoGCSP.

“Today, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we reflect on the critical issues faced by all those vulnerable to trafficking, including children, in Ghana. Ending trafficking calls for strong partnerships and a whole-of-society approach. IOM Ghana stands firm in its commitment to support the Government to end human trafficking - no single actor can do it alone! Together, let's raise our voices and take action to protect the vulnerable, leaving no one behind,” said IOM Ghana Chief of Mission, Fatou Diallo Ndiaye.

IOM’s collaboration with the Government going forward aims to tackle human trafficking through support with the renovation of the Government shelter for trafficking survivors; trainings for law enforcement agencies; donations of office equipment for the Ghana Police Service’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (GPS AHTU); awareness raising activities in selected communities led by GPS as well as on social media; and reintegration support to trafficking survivors.

For further information, please contact Lamine Kane, IOM Ghana Programme Officer, at: mlkane@iom.int